15 years of Western Suburbs Weekly

THE Western Suburb Weekly team has notched up more than 100 years of loyalty going into its 15th year.

Photographer Andrew Ritchie, fashion write Des Eddy and wine columnist John Jens have worked on the paper since its first edition on February 19, 2002, contributing significantly to more than 117 years of experience.

Ritchie has clocked up more than 23 years with Western Suburbs Weekly publisher Community Newspaper Group and editor of 10 years Denise Cahill started with the company 14 years ago.

Sales territory manager Doreen Wray and features editor Tanya MacNaughton have worked on the western suburbs paper for more than eight years.

Cahill said the award-winning photos, social pages and diverse lifestyle section were as popular now as when the newspaper first launched in 2002.

“We’ve slightly altered the masthead and font over the years but have always tried to keep a magazine-style feel for the newspaper,” she said.

“We knew the concept was a winner within six months when the Western Suburbs Weekly won its first PANPA Newspaper of the Year award in July 2002.

“We’ve added to the trophy cabinet significantly over the years, which is a credit to the team as well as our readers and community who have supported the paper to make it a success.”

Ritchie said there was a lot of diversity being a photographer for a community newspaper.

“One day you’re shooting US President Bill Clinton and then it’s a kid at PMH who’s fighting for their life,” he said

“No particular job stands out from another.

“It keeps the job interesting because you’re never shooting the same thing everyday.”

The Western Suburbs Weekly is celebrating its 15th birthday with free cupcakes on Tuesday.